The “Post-War Reconstruction of Syria Symposium” was held at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University. Organized in collaboration with the Middle East Foundation, Turkish Journal of International Development, Omran Strategic Research Center, and IZU, and supported by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) and TİKA, the symposium addressed Syria’s reconstruction process in the fields of education, economy, human capital, and law.
The symposium took place in the Abdullah Tivnikli Conference Hall at IZU and was attended by IZU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Erhan İçener, Omran Strategic Research Center Executive Board Member Dr. Ammar Kahf, Middle East Foundation Board Chair Prof. Dr. Mesut Özcan, as well as academics and NGO representatives from Turkey and abroad.
ACAR: NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT IS CRUCIAL
In his opening speech, IZU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar recalled that millions of Syrians were displaced and tens of thousands lost their lives during the 14-year conflict. He emphasized the importance of justice, the return of confiscated rights, and access to education and healthcare in the reconstruction process. Acar stated, “Establishing political unity is also very important. The international order represented by the UN has collapsed. At this stage, national and international support is critical. The failure of Arab countries to fulfill their responsibilities has been a great disappointment. If we do not increase our cooperation, what happened in Syria yesterday could happen to us tomorrow.”
KAHF: MORE THAN 50,000 SYRIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN TURKEY
Dr. Ammar Kahf, Executive Director of Omran Strategic Research Center, highlighted the serious lack of knowledge and vision in Syria’s reconstruction. He said, “It is crucial to establish healthy relations with neighboring countries. We are aware of the significance of Turkey opening its doors to millions of Syrians. Academic studies will shed light on reconstruction efforts. During the war, Syrian academia declined, but millions who had to leave continued working elsewhere. Currently, Turkey hosts over 50,000 Syrian students at undergraduate and graduate levels.”
ÖZCAN: PROBLEMS CONTINUE IN SYRIA
Prof. Dr. Mesut Özcan, Chair of the Middle East Foundation, emphasized the importance of holding the symposium one year after the Syrian revolution on December 8, 2024. He stated, “Significant change has started in Syria, but challenges and questions persist. On the first anniversary of the revolution, we gathered to discuss what needs to be done to overcome them,” addressing the difficulties of rebuilding cities, education, healthcare, and other sectors.
ÇELİK: RECONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN RAPIDLY
The first session, titled “Rebuilding Human Capital in the New Era,” focused on Syria’s education system during the reconstruction period. Prof. Dr. Zafer Çelik from Yıldırım Beyazıt University noted that a rapid reconstruction process began after December 8. He highlighted ongoing efforts to restructure the curriculum, address teacher shortages, and improve access to education. Çelik added, “Many projects are either partially implemented or in planning stages with Western countries, the Arab world, and Turkey. International organizations must honor their commitments to improve infrastructure and make the education system functional.”
ATABAŞ: HUMAN RESOURCES NEEDED FOR SYRIA ARE IN THE DIASPORA
Dr. Hacer Atabaş from the Africa Foundation emphasized the role of universities in rebuilding the state, restructuring socio-economic policies, ensuring social cohesion for the war-affected population, and establishing political stability. She noted that the 14-year conflict disrupted academic institutions and caused a significant brain drain. Atabaş said, “The war destroyed the education system. The human resources needed for reconstruction are in the diaspora. Hundreds of thousands of Syrians continued their education abroad. If the diaspora’s human capital returns, much of the workforce need can be met.”
DEMİR: ACADEMIC FREEDOM MUST BE GUARANTEED
Sociologist Ayyüce Şahin Demir highlighted that higher education in Syria began in 1903 with the Ottoman-established medical faculty in Damascus and that by 2011, 22 universities were operational nationwide. Despite the extensive destruction caused by the war, higher education resumed rapidly after December 8. Demir emphasized the importance of returning diaspora academics, stating the conditions needed: “Academic freedom must be guaranteed. Physical infrastructure should be strengthened, and solutions should be developed for the housing needs of students and academics.”
MERT: ACADEMICS READY TO SUPPORT
Dr. Mehmet Ali Mert from Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, the final speaker of the session, discussed the role of diaspora academics in reconstruction. He emphasized that political stability is a prerequisite for their return: “State policies are important. Our discussions show that academics living abroad are ready to contribute. In addition to returning, intermediate solutions should also be considered.”
The first day of the symposium continued with sessions on “National and International Dynamics in Reconstruction,” “Reconciling Syrian Society,” “Economic Management Reform,” and “Building Economic Infrastructure.” On the second day, topics included “Strengthening the Private Sector,” “Financing Reconstruction,” “Building Security Structures,” “Compensating Losses and Restoring Heritage,” “The Role of Syrian Refugees and the Diaspora,” and “Transitional Justice and Legal Reconstruction.”